Constructing Omans Peaceful Identity

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Omans discourses on foreign policy and national identity in the context of the Middle East. The Sultanate of Oman is often hailed as a peaceful exception in the region, but this work goes beyond surface-level observations to reveal the intricate complexities of Omans foreign policy and identity construction. With a keen focus on deconstructing essentialist understandings, the chapters delve into how discursive alignments and identity contents have shaped the governments quest for legitimacy, recognition, and status. Employing a pioneering discourse historical approach to compare the National Day speeches and UN General Assembly speeches throughout Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Bu Saidis reign (19702020), the author reveals how discourse evolved based on time, issues, and audiences. Notably, the book situates Oman within the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, examining how the Omani governments interlinked discourses on identity and foreign policy contributed to differentiate the Sultanate from other Gulf countries. With chapters exploring Omans foreign policy principles, its material and ideological response to the ideas linked to the Dhofar Revolution, and its interactions with the Arab world and the international community, readers of this book will gain a comprehensive understanding of Omans evolving national and supranational identifications and the dynamic nature of its foreign policy. Challenging prevailing narratives while providing a fresh perspective on the relations between Omans foreign policy and identity construction, this book marks an important text for scholars as well as policymakers and anyone interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of Omans role in the global stage.